FE Power Forums

FE Power Forums => FE Technical Forum => Topic started by: ScotiaFE on May 05, 2015, 08:44:59 PM

Title: RPM mods
Post by: ScotiaFE on May 05, 2015, 08:44:59 PM
So I was in town today and found the best looking air filter for a round 14".

(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/ScotiaFE/RPM/DSCN1040_zpshfkn0ghi.jpg) (http://s135.photobucket.com/user/ScotiaFE/media/RPM/DSCN1040_zpshfkn0ghi.jpg.html)

And I was doing some mods on a RPM. Hacking away at the ports. Elongating the push rod holes
and opening up the oil drain back.
But the air filter is GREAT! Love the red. ::)

(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/ScotiaFE/RPM/DSCN1041_zpsa9rv7eci.jpg) (http://s135.photobucket.com/user/ScotiaFE/media/RPM/DSCN1041_zpsa9rv7eci.jpg.html)
Title: Re: RPM mods
Post by: KMcCullah on May 06, 2015, 07:38:53 AM
I see it's a Spectre. Is it washable/reusable? Like a K&N?
Title: Re: RPM mods
Post by: ScotiaFE on May 06, 2015, 02:27:51 PM
.
I see it's a Spectre. Is it washable/reusable? Like a K&N?

It is a cotton washable type. Although I would imagine the very Kool red will not last for ever.
I like the bold colours and pretty much stop using them when they start to look raggedy.
SPECTRE is also my fav evil company. Looking forward to the new flick.
Hey, he's a navy salt, what can I say. :D
Title: Re: RPM mods
Post by: ScotiaFE on May 06, 2015, 03:02:39 PM
So I did so more hacking on the RPM.
Here is a better pic of the pushrod hole work. This is an important step.
Especially for us home builders. You need to pay close attention to the pushrod to intake clearance.
Those rollers have some long ramps. ;)

(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/ScotiaFE/RPM/DSCN1042_zpscxkyhais.jpg) (http://s135.photobucket.com/user/ScotiaFE/media/RPM/DSCN1042_zpscxkyhais.jpg.html)

I'm lucky to have a big ass drill in my shed, but all this can be done with a small compressor and a cheap die grinder.
It just takes longer. 

The ports pretty close to finish. I should dress a couple of sides again.
The port tapers down for about 2 inches so you need to use some dividers to gauge the port as you work in.

(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/ScotiaFE/RPM/DSCN1048_zpskonmmumu.jpg) (http://s135.photobucket.com/user/ScotiaFE/media/RPM/DSCN1048_zpskonmmumu.jpg.html)

Here is a stock RPM.

(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/ScotiaFE/RPM/DSCN1050_zpsjnlj72tq.jpg) (http://s135.photobucket.com/user/ScotiaFE/media/RPM/DSCN1050_zpsjnlj72tq.jpg.html)

And a stock Ed head intake port.

(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/ScotiaFE/RPM/DSCN1051_zps9chbtfuw.jpg) (http://s135.photobucket.com/user/ScotiaFE/media/RPM/DSCN1051_zps9chbtfuw.jpg.html)

It probably took me 10 hours to whittle this out.
Title: Re: RPM mods
Post by: jayb on May 06, 2015, 07:01:14 PM
Looking good, Howie.  That extra pushrod clearance will come in handy...
Title: Re: RPM mods
Post by: Joe-JDC on May 06, 2015, 07:04:38 PM
Measure those Victor gasket openings.  They are different widths on the sets I have checked.  Joe-JDC
Title: Re: RPM mods
Post by: ScotiaFE on May 06, 2015, 09:10:38 PM
Measure those Victor gasket openings.  They are different widths on the sets I have checked.  Joe-JDC

I may actually may reuse them. I have a couple of spares of them also. From the before time. lol
Title: Re: RPM mods
Post by: ScotiaFE on May 06, 2015, 09:27:17 PM
The oil drain back issue.
Here is a pic of a Cobra Jet head oil drain hole.
The large hole is 0.700" and the step hole is 0.610".

(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/ScotiaFE/RPM/DSCN1054_zpshidmr861.jpg) (http://s135.photobucket.com/user/ScotiaFE/media/RPM/DSCN1054_zpshidmr861.jpg.html)

Here is pic of the Ed head oil drain hole.
The large hole is 9/16" and the step hole is 7/16".

(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/ScotiaFE/RPM/DSCN1055_zpsb6nkfdr0.jpg) (http://s135.photobucket.com/user/ScotiaFE/media/RPM/DSCN1055_zpsb6nkfdr0.jpg.html)

So after the oil slot mods this is what the oil drain back looks like.

(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/ScotiaFE/RPM/DSCN1058_zpslk9xdw7q.jpg) (http://s135.photobucket.com/user/ScotiaFE/media/RPM/DSCN1058_zpslk9xdw7q.jpg.html)

Staying with the "you can do this in the shed" I drilled the holes out to 1/2" with a hand drill.

(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/ScotiaFE/RPM/DSCN1061_zpspwarhvvw.jpg) (http://s135.photobucket.com/user/ScotiaFE/media/RPM/DSCN1061_zpspwarhvvw.jpg.html)

Of course the batt was out of gas. That's why robots will loose. They run out of gas. ::)

(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/ScotiaFE/RPM/DSCN1062_zpsllbjm4rh.jpg) (http://s135.photobucket.com/user/ScotiaFE/media/RPM/DSCN1062_zpsllbjm4rh.jpg.html)

I also roughed out the exh ports.

(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/ScotiaFE/RPM/DSCN1067_zps25zzpmf4.jpg) (http://s135.photobucket.com/user/ScotiaFE/media/RPM/DSCN1067_zps25zzpmf4.jpg.html)
Title: Re: RPM mods
Post by: ScotiaFE on May 07, 2015, 08:01:38 PM
This next part is a "may" require. If your using the stock Edelbrock springs the helicoil is fine.
These heads are going to receive a pretty good spring so I will be changing out the wire
for a more robust thread insert. Everyone one of these steps is completely doable in the shed
with basic hand tools. I used the lathe to drill out the bolts and the mill for accuracy but it can be done on the work bench.
You will need a big pile of patience though. ::)

The basic pile of junk you will need.

(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/ScotiaFE/RPM/DSCN1068_zpsafba8s1a.jpg) (http://s135.photobucket.com/user/ScotiaFE/media/RPM/DSCN1068_zpsafba8s1a.jpg.html)

Pull out a wire. ;D

(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/ScotiaFE/RPM/DSCN1069_zpswnl5bklu.jpg) (http://s135.photobucket.com/user/ScotiaFE/media/RPM/DSCN1069_zpswnl5bklu.jpg.html)

Pull out all eight. :o

(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/ScotiaFE/RPM/DSCN1070_zpskoaepgix.jpg) (http://s135.photobucket.com/user/ScotiaFE/media/RPM/DSCN1070_zpskoaepgix.jpg.html)

So then I was looking at the head and thought, now is the time to address the oil feed issue.
I drilled it out to #7 for a 1/4 20 thread.

(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/ScotiaFE/RPM/DSCN1076_zpsutp4nn6w.jpg) (http://s135.photobucket.com/user/ScotiaFE/media/RPM/DSCN1076_zpsutp4nn6w.jpg.html)

Tapping. Brownie points if you know who made the tap.

(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/ScotiaFE/RPM/DSCN1072_zpsxxvssoux.jpg) (http://s135.photobucket.com/user/ScotiaFE/media/RPM/DSCN1072_zpsxxvssoux.jpg.html)

Using a set screw you can easily adjust the orifice size as needed.

(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/ScotiaFE/RPM/DSCN1077_zpsh783zibj.jpg) (http://s135.photobucket.com/user/ScotiaFE/media/RPM/DSCN1077_zpsh783zibj.jpg.html)

The home made thread inserts

(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/ScotiaFE/RPM/DSCN1078_zpsi7hrklrt.jpg) (http://s135.photobucket.com/user/ScotiaFE/media/RPM/DSCN1078_zpsi7hrklrt.jpg.html)

Drilling the rocker pads.

(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/ScotiaFE/RPM/DSCN1080_zpszdq9vg2r.jpg) (http://s135.photobucket.com/user/ScotiaFE/media/RPM/DSCN1080_zpszdq9vg2r.jpg.html)

The thread inserts, still a tad long. ::)

(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/ScotiaFE/RPM/DSCN1082_zpstermqlkx.jpg) (http://s135.photobucket.com/user/ScotiaFE/media/RPM/DSCN1082_zpstermqlkx.jpg.html)

Almost to size.

(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/ScotiaFE/RPM/DSCN1083_zpsfcv1ug4g.jpg) (http://s135.photobucket.com/user/ScotiaFE/media/RPM/DSCN1083_zpsfcv1ug4g.jpg.html)

The finished thread insert.

(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/ScotiaFE/RPM/DSCN1084_zpsdc61we8n.jpg) (http://s135.photobucket.com/user/ScotiaFE/media/RPM/DSCN1084_zpsdc61we8n.jpg.html)

Only seven more to do. I'll finish them up in the morning. :P

I know you can buy different types, but the kind I wanted where not on the shelf and would have been a
special order and outside the time window.
Title: Re: RPM mods
Post by: jayb on May 07, 2015, 09:37:54 PM
What's the thread size on those inserts you made, Howie?
Title: Re: RPM mods
Post by: Barry_R on May 08, 2015, 03:52:37 AM
Cool.  We have done similar.  Usually after the helicoil pulled rather than before.  Actually we have gone "full stupid" on this mod before using vise sized 5/8 threads when repairing them..
Title: Re: RPM mods
Post by: ScotiaFE on May 08, 2015, 05:24:39 AM
What's the thread size on those inserts you made, Howie?

I started with a 9/16 12 grade 8 bolt and tapped it for 3/8 16.
Title: Re: RPM mods
Post by: ScotiaFE on May 08, 2015, 05:42:00 AM
Cool.  We have done similar.  Usually after the helicoil pulled rather than before.  Actually we have gone "full stupid" on this mod before using vise sized 5/8 threads when repairing them..

Thanks. The 5/8 11 thread in the rocker pad is probably a better call for the home builder also.
It will be easier to locate a 5/8 11 tap set than a 9/16 12 set. 9/16 12 is not a common thread and tooling
will always cost more when the "not common" comes into play. Something like the FE. ;)
Although the Time Sert which is probably the best thread insert is a 9/16 12 for the 3/8 16 internal thread.
Title: Re: RPM mods
Post by: jayb on May 08, 2015, 07:39:35 AM
I've used E-Z Loks in the past with good results.  They are available from Enco (www.use-enco.com).  Here's a picture out of the catalog, showing the available sizes.  They even come in the "full stupid" 5/8-11 thread size:

(http://fepower.net/Photos/Posts/EZLok.JPG)
Title: Re: RPM mods
Post by: BruceS on May 08, 2015, 09:09:21 AM
Do you typically use the carbon steel inserts?

Thanks,
Bruce
Title: Re: RPM mods
Post by: jayb on May 08, 2015, 09:37:07 AM
Yes, I don't see any reason to use the stainless ones.  The carbon steel inserts are plenty strong, and in that location its not likely they are going to rust.
Title: Re: RPM mods
Post by: ScotiaFE on May 08, 2015, 11:27:52 AM
I agree with Jay that the EZ LOK is a very good system and is better suited to the home
builder than my crazy make your own junk.

Hey look at that. They fit back on. :P

(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/ScotiaFE/RPM/DSCN1086_zpslpuooefh.jpg) (http://s135.photobucket.com/user/ScotiaFE/media/RPM/DSCN1086_zpslpuooefh.jpg.html)

Run this by her next time she comes up with a new plan.

(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/ScotiaFE/RPM/DSCN1087_zpstgf2ln6k.jpg) (http://s135.photobucket.com/user/ScotiaFE/media/RPM/DSCN1087_zpstgf2ln6k.jpg.html)
Title: Re: RPM mods
Post by: ScotiaFE on May 12, 2015, 08:48:13 PM
So I drilled another hole in the Ed's.  :P
This is the head bolt hole that feeds oil to the rockers.
A stock iron head has a 9/16" or 0.562" hole and a Ed has a 17/32 or a 0.531 hole.
I drilled it out to 9/16.

(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/ScotiaFE/RPM/DSCN1109_zpsw5oshwe9.jpg) (http://s135.photobucket.com/user/ScotiaFE/media/RPM/DSCN1109_zpsw5oshwe9.jpg.html)

That's pretty much it for the mods I will do. These mods will help get the oil to the rockers and
help get the oil back to the pan.

Doing some mock up now. Not to much shiny new stuff.
Still thinking about which covers to use.
Engine goes back in on the weekend. I hope. ::)

(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/ScotiaFE/RPM/DSCN1112_zpscll0ntgq.jpg) (http://s135.photobucket.com/user/ScotiaFE/media/RPM/DSCN1112_zpscll0ntgq.jpg.html)
Title: Re: RPM mods
Post by: ScotiaFE on May 13, 2015, 08:52:24 PM
Valve train seems to be working.  :P
I'm no cam geek. I just check to make sure it's lined up and call it good. ::)
Ersons always come up short on the lift.  >:(

(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/ScotiaFE/RPM/DSCN1116_zps4jfpvsjd.jpg) (http://s135.photobucket.com/user/ScotiaFE/media/RPM/DSCN1116_zps4jfpvsjd.jpg.html)
Title: Re: RPM mods
Post by: NIsaacs on May 14, 2015, 06:34:22 AM
Why would you drill the oil flow bolt hole larger when you are just going to restrict the flow anyway? Is that something I need to keep in mind the next time my ED's are off?

 I am amazed at the attention to detail you are doing. There is a huge difference in hot rod building v/s my style. I have rebuilt dozens of engines over the years in trucks, tractors and industrial equipment, gas/diesel, water cooled/air cooled, 1 cylinder/8 cylinder, inline or v blocks and never looked back...but now....eye opener time!

Nick
Title: Re: RPM mods
Post by: jayb on May 14, 2015, 07:21:12 AM
I have seen cases, especially with head studs, where the stud or bolt is pushed against one side of the head bolt hole in the Edelbrock heads, and blocks the oil transfer slot at the deck, preventing any oil from coming up past the bolt/stud.  Enlarging the hole like Howie did eliminates that concern.
Title: Re: RPM mods
Post by: NIsaacs on May 14, 2015, 09:04:49 AM
I have seen cases, especially with head studs, where the stud or bolt is pushed against one side of the head bolt hole in the Edelbrock heads, and blocks the oil transfer slot at the deck, preventing any oil from coming up past the bolt/stud.  Enlarging the hole like Howie did eliminates that concern.


Okay, that makes sense, thanks. So with stock rocker stands and studs do I need to worry about not having the reduced shank oil bolt for that? Any mods there?

Nick
Title: Re: RPM mods
Post by: ScotiaFE on May 14, 2015, 05:55:06 PM
With the ARP rocker studs which are 0.334" at the shank and
the stock stands which are 0.400" and kind of a square hole, there is lots of clearance for oil.
With aftermarket rockers it is always good to check that you have sufficient clearance.
And as always a good pre oiling with the covers off so you can watch the oil flow out of the rockers.
Title: Re: RPM mods
Post by: ScotiaFE on May 14, 2015, 06:21:16 PM
Still on the game plan for weekend install. ;D
Got a bit of house keeping done also.
Got the line lock plumbed in. Wanted that done before the weekend. :P

(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/ScotiaFE/DSCN1122_zpsyndszyxd.jpg) (http://s135.photobucket.com/user/ScotiaFE/media/DSCN1122_zpsyndszyxd.jpg.html)

Here is the pushrod holes, after they were elongated. No way the pushrods would have fit without cutting.
This is only a .594 lift at the valve.

(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/ScotiaFE/DSCN1126_zpswljsekc0.jpg) (http://s135.photobucket.com/user/ScotiaFE/media/DSCN1126_zpswljsekc0.jpg.html)

Made in Canada gas tank.
This is a fresh Fairlane tank. I shopped around in town for one.
Cheapest I found was $489.99 plus tax 15%. $563.49!
I ordered one from RockAuto in the USA and had it shipped to me for $248.51 Canadian total.
This just does not make sense. It's made in Canada!

 (http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/ScotiaFE/DSCN1120_zpsiwer8bpt.jpg) (http://s135.photobucket.com/user/ScotiaFE/media/DSCN1120_zpsiwer8bpt.jpg.html)

I'm a cheap bastard. I'm using my old 3/8" pickup.

 (http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/ScotiaFE/DSCN1119_zpshafxcute.jpg) (http://s135.photobucket.com/user/ScotiaFE/media/DSCN1119_zpshafxcute.jpg.html)
Title: Re: RPM mods
Post by: BruceS on May 15, 2015, 08:29:20 AM
Howie,
I got one of those new tanks also.  I put in a new sender and pickup, but had to use the old OEM lock ring; the new one didn't allow a good enough tank to sender seal.  Ask me how I know this!  :o

I use Rock Auto quite a bit, they have a good variety and it's mostly reasonable. They are very organized on shipping, etc.  One time I got a set of brake shoes from them that were damaged. I called about it and they just sent a new set, and did not require me to send back the damaged ones...

On the Ed heads, did you drill a hole in the set screw?  If not how do you restrict the oil flow?

Btw, very educational!

Thanks,
Bruce
Title: Re: RPM mods
Post by: Nightmist66 on May 15, 2015, 08:51:11 AM
Howie,
I got one of those new tanks also.  I put in a new sender and pickup, but had to use the old OEM lock ring; the new one didn't allow a good enough tank to sender seal.  Ask me how I know this!  :o

I use Rock Auto quite a bit, they have a good variety and it's mostly reasonable. They are very organized on shipping, etc.

+1 what Bruce said, my dad and I both ordered replacement tanks from Rockauto mine is a 66, he has a 67. We both also have the 1/2" sending unit from Robbmc. I had to add a resistor in parallel to get the fuel gauge to be accurate in  the fairlane though. Other than that both seem to be great parts.
Title: Re: RPM mods
Post by: ScotiaFE on May 15, 2015, 03:32:37 PM
On the Ed heads, did you drill a hole in the set screw?  If not how do you restrict the oil flow?

Bruce

Yes, I did drill a hole in the set screw. I actually drilled 6 of them or 3 sets of two.
.070", .080" and .090". I had all the junk out might as well. lol
You will need a sharp centre drill to actually poke a hole into a set screw, they are a little tough.
You can also use a soft bolt and cut it off and drill it, which will be much easier and then saw a flat in it
so you can use a small screw driver to get them in and out.
Title: Re: RPM mods
Post by: ScotiaFE on May 15, 2015, 03:43:09 PM
Howie,
I got one of those new tanks also.  I put in a new sender and pickup, but had to use the old OEM lock ring; the new one didn't allow a good enough tank to sender seal.  Ask me how I know this!  :o

I use Rock Auto quite a bit, they have a good variety and it's mostly reasonable. They are very organized on shipping, etc.

+1 what Bruce said, my dad and I both ordered replacement tanks from Rockauto mine is a 66, he has a 67. We both also have the 1/2" sending unit from Robbmc. I had to add a resistor in parallel to get the fuel gauge to be accurate in  the fairlane though. Other than that both seem to be great parts.

I use Rock Auto quite a bit. At the same time I ordered the tank I ordered a CAT system for my 98 plow truck.
The cost savings for me are literally $1000's of dollars.
They are really a great resource for me and save me lots of money. ;D
Title: Re: RPM mods
Post by: ScotiaFE on May 17, 2015, 09:20:56 PM
It took some do 'in but I have an engine back in the Lane.

Four layers of goo.
 
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/ScotiaFE/RPM/DSCN1139_zpssltrruvd.jpg) (http://s135.photobucket.com/user/ScotiaFE/media/RPM/DSCN1139_zpssltrruvd.jpg.html)

I've had great luck with these gaskets.

(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/ScotiaFE/RPM/DSCN1138_zpsxuwgo4e2.jpg) (http://s135.photobucket.com/user/ScotiaFE/media/RPM/DSCN1138_zpsxuwgo4e2.jpg.html)

All closed up. Hope I didn't forget any thing. :P

(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/ScotiaFE/RPM/DSCN1141_zpsffxbpsve.jpg) (http://s135.photobucket.com/user/ScotiaFE/media/RPM/DSCN1141_zpsffxbpsve.jpg.html)

Core Plug beater in tool.

(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/ScotiaFE/RPM/DSCN1140_zpsuakbd8t5.jpg) (http://s135.photobucket.com/user/ScotiaFE/media/RPM/DSCN1140_zpsuakbd8t5.jpg.html)

Clocking the Quicktime Bellhousing.
It was right on.

(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/ScotiaFE/RPM/DSCN1149_zpsal1vkdjo.jpg) (http://s135.photobucket.com/user/ScotiaFE/media/RPM/DSCN1149_zpsal1vkdjo.jpg.html)

Checking starter drive engagement.
That's a Canadian Tire Champion Rebuilt. Works fine testing.
The rest of the clutch install was pretty straight forward, but you will want to pay close attention to
the whole install. With the SoftLoc and Jerico and a complete custom setup there was a lot of things thing to check
so the bell was on and off most of the day.

(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/ScotiaFE/RPM/DSCN1147_zpsqpesxrhj.jpg) (http://s135.photobucket.com/user/ScotiaFE/media/RPM/DSCN1147_zpsqpesxrhj.jpg.html)

Going in the hole.

(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/ScotiaFE/RPM/DSCN1155_zpscolui3kf.jpg) (http://s135.photobucket.com/user/ScotiaFE/media/RPM/DSCN1155_zpscolui3kf.jpg.html)

Time to hook it up.

(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/ScotiaFE/RPM/DSCN1156_zps0mjodioy.jpg) (http://s135.photobucket.com/user/ScotiaFE/media/RPM/DSCN1156_zps0mjodioy.jpg.html)

(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/ScotiaFE/RPM/DSCN1157_zps1juompvs.jpg) (http://s135.photobucket.com/user/ScotiaFE/media/RPM/DSCN1157_zps1juompvs.jpg.html)



Title: Re: RPM mods
Post by: jayb on May 17, 2015, 10:10:40 PM
Lookin' good, Howie.  I hope to duplicate your engine install feat next weekend myself; will post next weekend... :)
Title: Re: RPM mods
Post by: turbohunter on May 18, 2015, 12:18:27 AM
Congrats Howie.
Can't wait to here it purr/roar.
Title: Re: RPM mods
Post by: ScotiaFE on May 18, 2015, 06:09:27 AM
Thanks Guys.
The plan is to test on the 20th of June at Greenfield.
It's a small airport that closes for the weekend 5 times during the summer for us hooligans.
Title: Re: RPM mods
Post by: TomP on May 28, 2015, 10:24:44 PM
Only 5 races there? Great hooking track though and well attended the few times i've been.
Title: Re: RPM mods
Post by: ScotiaFE on May 29, 2015, 06:43:22 AM
Only 5 races there? Great hooking track though and well attended the few times i've been.
We got some new rubber and it should be lot's of fun.
My grandsons are just getting old enough to start to seeing the light. ;D
Had them both fire up the junk. It was great.
And that grampy is a crazy MF'er. ::)
Title: Re: RPM mods
Post by: Qikbbstang on May 31, 2015, 02:42:04 PM
When I saw the $500+ figure for a Fairlane fuel tank I thought that would justify the added cost of a fuel cell but then noticed he got it mail ordered for about half that.